Youth theatre premieres wartime play

Hidden Strangers, penned by world-renowned playwright Louise Page, explores the way those of German, Hungarian and Austrian extraction living in and around Chesterfield were judged, condemned and vilified during the First World War.

In Hasland there were riots against pork butchers. At Buxton the subscription band who had played for bank holiday-makers became enemies on the declaration of war the next day.

Working and researching with the Pomegranate Youth Theatre, the playwright has been exploring this area of hidden history and how those who had built their lives in Britain suddenly became the enemy.

Hidden Strangers will be staged at Rose Theatre, Chesterfield, on July 2 and 3 at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 and £8. Contact 01246 271540 or www.rosetheatrechesterfield.co.uk